Built to last, most of the world’s great castles have stood for hundreds of years. But the ones crafted every July at the annual Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival, 14 miles south of central San Diego, may only last as long as the next high tide. While they’re around, though, these castles are nothing short of magnificent.

In a six-hour building period, top sandcastle artists race to sculpt structures that you absolutely need to see to believe, complete with staircases, ramparts and flying buttresses. The planning and design required for these ephemeral palaces and other eye-popping creations can take months. But competitors have noted that plenty also depends on conditions on the day of the event. 'Everything makes a difference,' explained competitor Leonard Gonzales Jr in one interview. 'The different kinds of sand, the sun conditions—there are just so many variables.'

The mostly free festivities officially start on the Friday before the competition, with an early-morning Imperial Beach Swim & Paddle and a 3k beach walk/run, followed by the Mayor’s Breakfast. For the rest of the day, an exhibition sandcastle is on display, and you can spend some time surveying the scene and plotting your building strategy.

The next day, if you plan on participating or want to see the works take shape from start to finish, you’ll have to get up on the early side: the official building period is from 8 am to 2 pm on the Saturday of the event. Other activities have an early start as well: the charity ($5) pancake breakfast begins at 7 am, and the Sun & Sea Parade kicks off at 9 am and ends with the Parade Competition Awards ceremony two hours later. All day long the Kids' Zone will have activities taking place, including the Kids ‘n Kastles sandcastle building competition for junior sand sculptors aged 5 to 12. There's live music on the main stage at Portwood Pier Plaza to add to the fun. Past performers have got the crowds moving with Cajun and zydeco music, rock, blues and reggae.

While the professional builders receive the majority of the limelight during the competition, families and business teams also compete, often planning and honing their technique together in advance of the big day. But all you really need is sand, water and a few hours to create your own castle straight out of the furthest reaches of your imagination.

Regions

Pick a region form the map or the list below to explore.

Regions

Scroll down to explore the twelve regions of California.

1. Shasta Cascade

This region, in California’s northeast corner, is known for mountains, forests, waterfalls, and amazing, safe-to-visit volcanoes. The region, a 3-hour drive north of Sacramento, gets its name from the rugged Cascade Mountains and their signature peak in state, 14,180-foot/4,322-meter Mount Shasta—yes, a volcano.

Highlights

2. North Coast

With crashing waves along the coast and soaring redwood trees blanketing miles of uncrowded parkland, this is one of California’s most spectacular regions. The largest city, Eureka, is roughly a 5-hour drive north of San Francisco—but what a drive: see lush wine country, charming hamlets, spouting whales, and breathtaking sunsets.

Highlights

3. Gold Country

The western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range, defining California’s eastern border, are known as the Gold Country, named after the rich Mother Lode discovered here in the mid-1850s. While gold is still found in the region, new riches include top museums and art in Sacramento, the state capital, plus whitewater rafting, tucked-away towns, farm-fresh dining, and award-winning wines.

Highlights

4. San Francisco Bay Area

On the western oceanfront of Northern California, at the state’s distinctive bend along the coast, lies this breathtaking region. It’s framed by an unforgettable gateway—the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—spanning the mouth of San Francisco Bay. Explore diverse cities, picturesque hamlets, family-friendly beaches, coastal parklands, and wine country, including Napa and Sonoma wine country, 1½ hours north of San Francisco.

Highlights

5. High Sierra

Nicknamed “California’s backbone,” this region of towering granite peaks defines much of the state’s eastern boundary. Visit Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and the giant trees of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks—all within a day’s drive of either San Francisco or L.A. In winter, enjoy snow sports; in summer, go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or boating.

Highlights

6. Central Valley

Running right down the middle of California, this broad region contains some of most productive farmland in the world. Wine country around Lodi features big, bold reds. Further south, the Fresno has a lively arts scene.

8. Deserts

This dramatic region takes up the southeastern half of the state. Remarkable desert parklands, including Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego, provide an extraordinary chance to explore, while the oasis-like allure of Palm Springs, 3 hours northeast of San Diego, offers sunny resort-style getaways, with golf, tennis, spas, and high-end shopping.

Highlights

9. Inland Empire

This densely populated Southern California region has surprising alpine getaways, like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, in the impressive San Bernardino Range. On the region’s sunny east side, explore the inviting Temecula Valley wine region. The university town of Riverside is the region’s largest city. San Bernardino, the second largest city, has museums and impressive shopping, while Fontana has NASCAR racing.

Highlights

10. Los Angeles County

This sunny region along the state’s southern coast is California’s most populated region, best known as the capital of the entertainment industry. Here, movie stars really do work in Hollywood, play in the surf at Malibu, and shop in Beverly Hills. Looping freeways make the car king, but the region also has a surprisingly good network of buses and light rail—a hassle-free way to explore.

Highlights

11. Orange County

Tucked between San Diego and Los Angeles Counties, this region is known for flawless beaches and “the happiest place on earth,” Disneyland Resort. Anaheim, the theme park’s home, offers a surprisingly hip vibe in a refurbished downtown. Newport Beach has dazzling yachts, Huntington Beach has iconic surfing, and Costa Mesa beckons with top shopping.

Highlights

12. San Diego County

This sun-and-surf region is known for some of the best weather and warmest water in the state. San Diego, the state’s second largest city, is home to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, one of the world’s great urban parks. For family fun, play at Seaworld San Diego and Legoland California. Inland, discover surprising mountain towns like Julian, known for orchards and apple pie.